Birthday

Heath guided her inside the dark, unlit house. Aurora suggested, "Alaric and the others haven't left yet, should we invite them?"

Heath pulled her into the house without a word. As they neared the living room, Aurora heard a rustling noise. In another life, her assassin instincts would have triggered a defensive response.

But with Heath by her side, she felt a sense of security.

Reaching out for Heath, she realized he was no longer beside her.

Suddenly, the living room burst into light, adorned with a myriad of colorful fairy lights, small lamps, and a dazzling chandelier.

Before she could react, a crowd emerged, exclaiming, "Happy Birthday!"

Aurora was engulfed in a sea of familiar faces – Alaric, Zane, Lysander, Daxton, Cheryl, Jay, Kieran, and even Vespera, a rare sight. They brandished sparklers and streamers, showering her with birthday wishes.